The Second Studio Podcast: Interview with Rick Joy
The Second Studio (formerly The Midnight Charette) is a podcast dedicated to design, architecture and everyday life. Organized by architects David Lee and Marina Bourderone, it features a variety of creative professionals in unscripted conversations that allow for thoughtful approaches and personal discussions.
A variety of topics are covered with honesty and humor: some episodes are interviews, while others are advice for fellow designers, reviews of buildings and other projects, or casual explorations of everyday life and design. Second Studio is also available on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube.
This week, architect Rick Joy, founder and principal of Studio Rick Joy joins David and Marina of FAME Architecture and Design to discuss his experience; transition from his career as a percussionist to architecture; its philosophy and practice; the pros and cons of design-build; his process and thoughts on architectural style; and more.
Highlights and timestamps
Highlights (00:00)
School of Architecture (08:50)
The sensory aspect of architecture (15:15)
I think the sense of smell is the most vivid memory provoking sense. When you smell that cut grass, like you just said, it takes me right back to Maine in my mind. And even if I sense that someone is baking cookies next door, I see my mom in the kitchen making cookies for us kids. (17:58)
Life after graduation (18:24)
This is a study studio. Sometimes I’ll go up to someone’s desk and say, “Turn off your monitors and don’t look at your watch or your phone. What time is it?”… I want people to be architects, not technicians, not Revit people. (28:44)
Trial (31:17)
Starting an Office (37:17)
Design-build transition (54:03)
Style (01:00:09)
I don’t have a signature style for many reasons. I believe in the culture of place making and finding place through nature. (01:01:41)
Architecture Fees (01:08:50)
Young people are willing to do projects for such low fees… If you want to buy a used commercial building in downtown Tucson, you will pay 10% to a real estate agent who will spend four days in it. And I will have five architects in three years and you want me to do it for 3%? This is crazy and I will not do this to the profession. (01:09:05)
Future (01:16:43)
